'q' is for Quentin who sank in a mire
1. You know what I miss? Witch Hunter Robin. I'd like to see that again.
2. And for those of you who don't believe that Pittsburgh is unique and strange, I bring you the Pittsburgh cookie table, a must at every wedding. I am told mine was good. I wouldn't know because I ate one cookie and when I returned, drunk, it was empty.
3.
Don't get me wrong, the text is terrifyingly visceral to my ear. I think, if ever in my life I was to get a letter, a letter of love, I would want one like this. (clip starts at :35)
And the abridged text:
July 14, 1861
Camp Clark, Washington
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more...
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt...
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield. The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And it is hard for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood around us...
I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name...
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly I would wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness...
But, O Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they love, I shall always be near you, in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights... always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again...
Sullivan Ballou
Jesus. Or maybe this is the power of Ashokan Farewell.
4. You know, if you have time to read and comment on other stories in the fest, you have time to read and comment on your gift, even if you didn't like it. You just say "Oh thank you!" Mention a few things you liked (Jesus, even if most of it is suck, there's always something redeemable. I found redemption in the Biscuit story), and bob is your goddamn uncle.
5. Before I forget, THANK YOU to beeej, bluejeans07, bethcarielle, and solsticezero for the spankin' cards! God we're all so effing creative, and beth, your kind words were heartening, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Beeej! HIGHLANDER CARDS RULE. I wanted to do a post-it HL card, but my creative well had run dry. :(
2. And for those of you who don't believe that Pittsburgh is unique and strange, I bring you the Pittsburgh cookie table, a must at every wedding. I am told mine was good. I wouldn't know because I ate one cookie and when I returned, drunk, it was empty.
3.
Don't get me wrong, the text is terrifyingly visceral to my ear. I think, if ever in my life I was to get a letter, a letter of love, I would want one like this. (clip starts at :35)
And the abridged text:
July 14, 1861
Camp Clark, Washington
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more...
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt...
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield. The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And it is hard for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood around us...
I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name...
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly I would wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness...
But, O Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they love, I shall always be near you, in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights... always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again...
Sullivan Ballou
Jesus. Or maybe this is the power of Ashokan Farewell.
4. You know, if you have time to read and comment on other stories in the fest, you have time to read and comment on your gift, even if you didn't like it. You just say "Oh thank you!" Mention a few things you liked (Jesus, even if most of it is suck, there's always something redeemable. I found redemption in the Biscuit story), and bob is your goddamn uncle.
5. Before I forget, THANK YOU to beeej, bluejeans07, bethcarielle, and solsticezero for the spankin' cards! God we're all so effing creative, and beth, your kind words were heartening, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Beeej! HIGHLANDER CARDS RULE. I wanted to do a post-it HL card, but my creative well had run dry. :(